What is a motorcycle tracker?

There motorcycle tracker is a type of motorcycle preparation in vogue but however less common on roads or on social networks than bobbers, Cafe Racers Or scramblers.

There motorcycle tracker, or also called flat tracker, Dirt Tracker is a type of motorcycle from the competition. This motorcycle was developed to participate at the US Flat Track races, which take place on an oval earth track.

The technical particularities of this bike are to have large wheels, A tall handlebar, A Small end tank, a Specific rear shell. 

We will see how the tracker appeared in the world of customization, then see in detail the list of specificities of trackers, the different types of trackers and a selection of trackers that we particularly appreciate. 

DEFINITION OF THE MOTO TRACKER

 Since the 1930s, the races called "Track Racing" has been practiced in the United States. These are races on Earth oval circuit.

In this category, there are the "flat track racing". This is a slightly different competition from "speedway racing" because the motorcycles are equipped than a rear brake. This changes the way of taking turns. 

The circuits of flat track have a length of 1/4 mile (400 meters) to 1 mile (1600 meters).

Since the 1950s, Indian And Harley-Davidson are in active competition in this discipline, as are foreign manufacturers such as Honda, Kawasaki and Triumph.

In the 1970s, Harley-Davidson launched the XR750, the AMA competition motorcycle (American flat track) which has known the most success in this discipline:

Source: The Harley-Davidson XR-750-What You Need to Know (A Brief History) (Silodrome.com)

With the rise in popularity of modified motorcycles, many enthusiasts have chosen to prepare their motorcycles in the manner of Dirt track.

Today, enthusiasm for this sport and this segment has increased considerably. Not only Triumph, Ducati, Harley and Indian participate in the races, but also Royal Enfield which recently participated.  The brand even opened An education program on flat track, and sponsored runners like Shayna text, the first woman to win an American professional race on flat track.

And now, some of these motorcycle manufacturers and others offer style motorcycles flat track. We will see it in detail afterwards. 

The types of flat track: 

Dirt Tracker / Flat Tracker - that of Competition

A flat tracker is a racing motorcycle. The first flat trackers were transformed road motorcycles. A flat tracker is designed to participate in the American Flat Track races, which take place on an oval earth track. The track is flat, there are no other obstacles than other runners. The pilots slide in turns and sprint in straight lines.

THE Dirt Tracker of competition does not have before lights and brakes before. The engines are also prepared for the race. 

Street Tracker

The classic

There motorcycle Classic tracker is a tracker based on a fairly old motorcycle which takes up the aesthetic codes of the former flat trackers of competition.

Here is a model made on a Yamaha XS500 base by Hamber :

Source: Twice as fun: a pair of classic yamahas from hombrese | Exif Bike

The modern

THE modern tracker is a tracker based on a recent motorcycle and the preparer is often freer in the execution of the style Flat track. This contributes to the evolution of the Tracker identity.

Here is a model made on a basis Ducati Scrambler by Ducati :

Source : How to turn the Ducati Scrambler Into A Tracker | Exif Bike

This is a race version offered by Ducati.

They also released a kit version "Road Legal"But it is less successful. 

List of characteristics of a motorcycle tracker

Headlight

Dirt Tracker use plates Generally plastic or aluminum at the location of the lighthouse. This is the same type of plate that we find on motocross. The pilot number is registered in large on it.

For a road version (street tracker), there are additional headlights that can be positioned between the fork sheaths as Dab Motors on his lm-s.

Here is an extract from their site: LM -S - DAB MOTORS

There headlight has an LED strip active as a day fire and the lenticular projector is installed below. It's beautiful and it's approved!

We often find the same type of installation on many 50cc type Supermotard prepared as well as the recent FB Mondial Flat Track 125.

Another solution can be considered for a street tracker: the flagship lighthouse with an integrated LED optics. Here is a achievement of the French craftsman Creativarage:

Shell and saddle

The saddle of motorcycle tracker is very specific. It is a single -seater saddle arranged on a shell. The shell can be in plastic, fiber or aluminum. The shell has wide "hips" and the shape looks like a duck beak. It protects the pilot from earth projections. 

Above, A model that we offer on the store. The shell is supplied with the saddle and the rear light. It is a model made by hand with specific dimensions for a tracker. 

Lateral plate

Like motocross, the flat track have side plates, generally square or rectangular, in order to register the motorcycle number and allow to recognize the pilot and its mount. 

We offer tailor-made aluminum plates as part of a tracker preparation.

HANDLEBAR

The trackers handlebar is special, it is wider and higher than a handlebar scramble.

Here is a tracker handlebar 80 cm. 

EXHAUST

L'Tracker exhaust is generally composed of a 2 in 1 collector (or more depending on the number of cylinder) which passes under the engine and is ended with a type silencer Megaphone Or Disc tilted up or in high passage. 

 Here is the example of a Harley XR750 with an exhaust type of Disc brand Supertrapp.

We offer several versions of this type of exhaust: Disc* - Remmotorcycle exhaust

The wheels

THE Trackers have the distinction of using large wheels. In competition, the rims used are in 18 and 19 inches. This is less important for a street tracker.

They can be with radius or sticks. Indeed, the latest flat trackers Harley Davidson use this type of rims.

Source : Harley-Davidson XG 750r-Moto-Station

Regarding the radius rims, we propose Tailor-made rims.

As part of a Tracker project, it is not necessarily necessary to change the wheels. It depends on the base and the overall look of the motorcycle.

The reservoir

The tank of Flat track is generally quite small and quite fine. It has the adequate capacity for making a race.

For a model street tracker, the capacity can be revised upwards.

In terms of shape, they are often slender and quite simple in their style.

We have a perfect model for a Flat Track motorcycle preparation :

 Product link: Flat Tracker Bratstyle - Remmotorcycle tank

We also propose to paint and decorate the tank according to your desires. 

What basis to make a tracker?

Harley-Davidson Sportster

Source: Sportster Hooligan Tracker by BCKUSTOMS - Bikebound

Here is a superb achievement of the Bretons of Breizh Coast Kustoms made on a Harley-Davidson Sportster from 1992 with an XLH 883 engine from 1986.

It has all the elements of a motorcycle tracker :

• 19 -inch wheel
• Front plate
• Side plates
• Tracker saddle
• Tracker handlebar
• Specific tank

It is a great success and a perfect example of what a flat tracker. 

Yamaha XS650

Source: Yamaha Dirt Tracker by Jeff Palhegyi | Exif Bike

The Yamaha XS650 is one of the models acclaimed for making a tracker. 

Here is a fine example made by Jeff Palhegyi and which takes up the iconic decoration of Yamaha. 

It is a street tracker because it drives legally on the road. It has perfectly integrated lights and indicators and a plate tied to the rear. 

We also like the exhaust which is very well done. 

If you like this base, here is another achievement made by the French of Felix Motocyclette :

The style is close to the previous one and the execution is perfect. We like big modifications on the frame to achieve this result. The integration of the front lights in the plate and at the rear, from the rear light to the loop also make this flat track One of the most successful that exists.

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Source : Flat out: Jillian Deschenes' Royal Enfield Flat Tracker | Exif Bike

There Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a versatile motorcycle that can be transformed into a cafe racer, brastyle, scrambler but also a tracker and the result is successful.

The motorcycle below is the motorcycle driven by the pilot Jilian Deschenes for the championship of flat track (Ama).

In addition to being adapted to competition, this iNterceptor 650 is a success from an aesthetic point of view. 

Mash 400 Scrambler / Five Hunged

400cc models of Mash Scrambler Or FIVE HUDRED lend themselves perfectly to the creation of a street tracker. 

The example below (in progress) is the perfect illustration. 

In addition, they have the advantage of being cheap. This allows you to have a good budget to devote to prepare it. 

It is equipped with our Tracker saddle fiber which was here painted in black. 

Honda XR650L

Source: https://www.bikeexif.com/nicky-hayden-tribute-motorcycle

Here is a different base from the previous ones, it is not a classic style motorcycle but a trail (AKA Dual-Sport).

This model was produced by Nicky Hayden d 'Analogmotorcycles.

He has done a lot of work by carrying out, by hand, the tank and the rear part (shell, side plates) in aluminum. 

The result is perfect.

This is a selection, you can create a tracker on a wide range of motorcycles. 

New trackers offered by manufacturers

YCF Flat Track Bike S 187

The French specialist in Dirt Bikes recently offers a version Dirt track From their Dirt Bike in order to offer a model on the French market and to initiate fans to this unknown sport in France.

This version is equipped with the engine Daytona 190cc Renowned in the mid -4 -stroke midst. It provides around twenty horses for 77 kgs.

Enough to get your hands on the earthen oval. This motorcycle is not approved on open road.

It is sold from € 3,299 for this version. The 150cc version is sold € 2299.

 Source : Flat Track Bike S 187 - YCF France (ycf-riding.fr)

Here is a demonstration video of this little monster on track: 

FB Mondial Flat Track

Global FB is a marked style brand. Their proposal Flat Track 125 is proof of this.

This model has a very modern style, see futuristic who contrasts squarely with the Flat Tracker 125 of mash.

She respects the aesthetic codes of trackers by bringing their own style.

We like the integration of front lights below the numbered plate.

It is offered from € 4,485.

Fantic Caballero Flat Track 125 and 500

Fantic has a position on the market very close to Global FB. However, his style is less divisive. The pencil stroke is softer.

This Fantic Cabellero Flat Tracker 125 Takes up some trackers codes but that's it. We forget the specific rear shell to make way for a duo saddle but which has a specific shape. At the front, no plaque, Fantic installed a traditional LED lighthouse.

It is offered at € 5,190.

In 500cc version: 

You can play the game of 7 differences for your difference! Yes indeed, there is the 500 logo on the gray radiator protector.

It is marketed at a price of € 6,790 for the 500cc model.

Mash 650 Dirt Track 2020

Source : Mash 650 Dirt Track 2020 - Motorcycle sheet - Motoplanete

Mash is the only manufacturer has currently offered a street tracker in the classic style.

This 650 Dirt Track Among the new 650 range motorized by a large monocylinder of 40 horses.

Mash revised the lighthouse plate for 2021 and replace it with a classic round lighthouse. Indeed, the plate was little appreciated.

However, to keep the style, they could have offered some things close to Dab Motors. The LM-1 has a superb headlight plate.

This model is also offered in several displacements: 50cc, 125cc, 250cc. It has an attractive price of € 4,000.

Indian Ftr

Source: Indian Motorcycle-France-Ftr-FTR

Indian has a big story in Flat Track competition. In 2017, they presented a superb concept Flat track from which this FTR 1200 follows.

Unfortunately, the style of the motorcycle has changed a little to get closer to the roadster.

It can therefore be called Roadster Tracker given these inspirations from the past.

It was a good motorcycle that was appreciated by the testers.

It can also be a perfect basis for a pushed tracker preparation.

There FTR 1200 is sold from € 14,690.

CONCLUSION

We have seen in detail the peculiarities of a tracker. Scheduled for the race, trackers now travel our roads with an atypical style that characterize them (flagship plate, shell and special saddle, handlebars, exhaust ...).

Do you like this style of preparation? Tell us in the comments.

You are now ready to build yours or opt for a new model.

Remmotorcycle can assist you in your project.